Page 7 - Plastics News September 2024

THE PRESIDENT SAYS

Dear Members, Stakeholders, and Friends of AIPMA,

It’s been an honor to pen down my final message as the President of AIPMA with
full optimism and confidence, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the
tremendous strides we have made as an organization. The past year has been
one of significant achievements, growth, and resilience. Despite the challenges
presented by an ever-evolving global landscape, AIPMA has continued to lead
the way in advocating for the plastics industry, fostering innovation, and support-
ing sustainable development.

Our journey together has been highlighted by several landmark events, with none
more significant than Plastivision India 2023, held from December 7th to 11th.
This prestigious event, with over 1,238 exhibitors from 20 countries and more
than 234,000 visitors, solidified its status as one of the world's top five plastic
trade shows. The International Buyer-Seller Meet was a highlight, facilitating over
100 critical meetings between Indian sellers and 102 international buyers from 26
countries, thereby boosting our industry's export potential. Additionally, the CEO
Roundtable discussion and Global Conference for the Plastic Industry provided a
vital platform for industry leaders and 500 participants to discuss sustainability,
public policy, innovation, and India's journey toward self-reliance in plastic exports.

In terms of policy advocacy, AIPMA made commendable progress. Our persis-
tent efforts regarding the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility
(EPR) led to the exemption of Micro and Small Producers from EPR obligations,
offering significant relief to smaller businesses within our industry. Moreover, our
active engagement with government bodies ensured the smooth implementa-
tion of various Quality Control Orders (QCOs), such as those for PE grades, while
securing delays for QCOs related to packaging materials like Cement, Fertilizers,
and Postal Bags, Polystyrene Moulding and Extrusion Materials. This provided our
industry with the necessary time to adapt to these regulatory changes.

AIPMA took a significant new initiative by organizing the impactful Global Con-
ference on Plastics Recycling & Sustainability (GCPRS), a global platform that
brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss and
drive forward the agenda of plastics recycling and sustainability. The exhibition
and conference organised during 4th to 7th July 2024 was strongly supported by
various ministries of the Government of India, including the Ministry of Chemicals
and Fertilizers, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of MSME, Ministry of
Housing & Urban Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and
NITI Aayog. The GCPRS, held at Bharat Mandapam/Pragati Maidan, witnessed the
participation of over 275 exhibitors spread across 15,000 sqm and attracted more
than 40,000 business visitors. This collaborative effort has set a new benchmark
in our commitment to promoting sustainable practices and innovation within the

September 2024 PLASTICS NEWS 7